Welcome to another powerful episode of To Be Encouraged with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble. In this deeply personal and socially relevant conversation, Bishop Trimble shares insights shaped by current national events and the enduring legacy of his late mother, whose life spanned an incredible 102 years.

The discussion opens with an unflinching look at the recent militarization of Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s decision to place National Guard troops and federal authorities throughout the city. Bishop Trimble, who spends part of his year in D.C. due to his work with the General Board of Church and Society, describes the palpable tension and concern among residents. He highlights the unique, often overlooked challenges of D.C. “taxation without representation” and the effect such federal moves have on the community's sense of autonomy and safety. Both Brad and Bishop Trimble critique this approach as performative and an erosion of what Trimble calls “democratic compassion,” pushing instead for investment in social services, mental health, and community policing.

As the episode turns from public events to the personal, Bishop Trimble remembers his mother, Mary Belle Pryor Trimble, and the simplicity and power of her guiding words: “peace and love.” These were not idle platitudes; they were principles she embodied throughout her life and taught to her family, her church, and her countless students. Her regular encouragement to “put on the whole armor of God” from Ephesians 6 provided her family with the spiritual tools to persist and seek justice and compassion amidst adversity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Compassion Over Control: The episode challenges the logic and humanity of militarized responses to social issues, urging instead for approaches rooted in compassion, evidence-based data, and support for those most in need.
2. Faith in Action: Both Bishop Trimble and his mother exemplify “active peace and love,” making it clear that following Christ means more than “thoughts and prayers”—it means engaging in the hard work of justice, generosity, and inclusion.
3. Legacy as Action: Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the legacies they build each day through choices, echoing the wisdom that our impact is not in what we accumulate, but in the love and peace we extend to others.
4. Resilience in Troubled Times: The conversation shows how grounding oneself in faith and positive example can sustain courage and hope in seasons of unrest, loss, or discouragement.

This episode is a heartfelt call to action—reminding us that, especially in discouraging times, peace and love are not passive ideals but active, impactful commitments.